There was a brief silence in the room.

Both of them were observing Shensingsui, exerting a palpable pressure. Shensingsui met Zhang Sansan's gaze, feeling embarrassed and irritated, but knew the director meant well and didn't want to offend him.

Clearing his throat, Shensingsui simply replied: "I have experienced it."

Zhang Sansan looked at him with a newfound curiosity.

Fu Jinxiao also shifted his gaze to him. While Fu Jinxiao typically showed no interest in prying into others' pasts or common gossip, he was always curious about his own lover.

Under their scrutiny, Shensingsui coughed lightly and added, "But that's all in the past now."

"I used to have those feelings," Shensingsui said, slightly lowering his head with the script in his hand, "but not anymore."

Zhang Sansan nodded in understanding. However, he failed to notice the gradual downturn in Fu Jinxiao's expression.

Zhang Sansan proposed, "Alright, Shensingsui, try to recall that feeling, and we'll shoot the scene later."

Shensingsui nodded.

The director left the tent, leaving the two alone.

Fu Jinxiao returned to reading the script, the sharp lines of his profile highlighted by the overhead lighting. He remained silent, exuding a somber aura.

Shensingsui cleared his throat, "Fu Laoshi, what would you like for lunch?"

Fu Jinxiao: "Not hungry."

"Why?" Shensingsui queried, "Feifei mentioned that you barely ate anything this morning."

Fu Jinxiao paused, glancing at Shensingsui with a smirk, "I'm full... of resentment."

...

A momentary silence ensued.

Realizing the jest, Shensingsui stifled his laughter, "I truly can't recall the overwhelming sensation of infatuation anymore."

Fu Jinxiao looked up at him.

Sitting next to him, Shensingsui looked back sincerely, a hint of a smile still on his face, "Because the love I have for you now far surpasses mere fondness."

The depth in Fu Jinxiao's eyes intensified.

Shensingsui stood up, still slightly shy, but moved closer to Fu Jinxiao. He leaned in, planting a soft kiss on the older man's face, murmuring, "I love you."

After the kiss, he tried to slip away, but was abruptly pulled back.

Fu Jinxe was much stronger than him, but he was always gentle, effortlessly drawing him back into his embrace. The intensity of their kiss deepened, their breaths intertwined. Close to his ear, Shen Xingsui heard Fu Jinxe's husky voice, "When did you first become aware of me?"

After some thought, Shen Xingsui responded, "Around high school, I believe."

A corner of Fu Jinxe's lips curled into a smile, "Then why did you become a fan of mine? If I recall correctly, Jian Zhi had also debuted around that time."

"Well... There were many reasons." Shen Xingsui replied softly. He felt a bit reluctant to discuss his more fervent behaviors, and went on, "During that time, I felt quite lost. Because my brother was Jian Zhi, once, during one of his events, you had a concert in the adjacent venue. I sneaked a peek and saw you..."

As he spoke, he grew a bit bashful.

Fu Jinxe murmured, "You saw me and then you fell for me?"

Shen Xingsui's cheeks flushed. How could Fu Jinxe put it so bluntly? Although it seemed to be the case, wasn't it about more than just appearances?

"At that moment, I found your singing to be incredibly confident and radiant," Shen Xingsui spoke gently, "Back then, I lacked confidence in my music. I felt utterly terrible about it. But when I saw you, you were different. The confidence you exhibited on stage, as if every beam of light should naturally shine on you, your grasp over your music, your life's attitude – all seemed so far removed from mine. I loved watching you, but I dared not approach you..."

Fu Jinxe was silent for a while.

Maybe Shen Xingsui's words were a bit halting, or even confusing to those unfamiliar with his struggles, but Fu Jinxe understood. He grasped the underlying torment and modest hopes.

After a pause, Fu Jinxe whispered, "I regret it."

Shen Xingsui looked at him questioningly.

"Had I known, I would've asked Mei Can to arrange more fan meetings for me," Fu Jinxe said, a playful glint in his eyes, "It was a missed opportunity."

Shen Xingsui, ears tinged pink, softly responded, "It's alright even if there were fewer."

Fu Jinxe raised an eyebrow, "Why?"

"Because..." Shen Xingsui began, then lowered his head, speaking softly, "I attended almost every single one of your fan meetings. Due to financial reasons or other constraints, I often had to watch from afar and didn’t get many opportunities for face-to-face interactions."

Fu Jinxe's eyes darkened momentarily. After a silent beat, he gently kissed Shen Xingsui's cheek, murmuring, "For future meetings, I'll reserve a VIP spot right next to me for you."

Shen Xingsui, eyes filled with curiosity, asked, "Where's this VIP spot?"

Fu Jinxe's chuckle deepened, his head buried in Shen Xingsui's shoulder, his voice gentle with a hint of teasing, "In bed."

"..."

Seven months after the start of the film "City Sealed,"

Today marked the wrap-up of the entire movie. The final scene depicted Xu Yan falling from his horse. This renowned general, who never feared confronting tens of thousands of enemies and was famed for his horsemanship, had never been unhorsed by even the bravest of soldiers. Yet, upon hearing of Fang Zhiwen's death, as he dismounted, he fell.

His armor was heavy, and the fallen man looked quite a mess.

People around him rushed over, exclaiming, "General...!"

Xu Yan raised his hand to stop everyone from approaching. He tried to lift himself with one hand on the ground, attempting to rise, but his limbs felt powerless. The news of Fang Zhiwen's death seemed to plunge his world into darkness. A sudden tightness gripped his chest, and he forcefully coughed up blood.

A voice came from the director's tent, "Cut! That's a wrap!"

The equipment and crew around immediately halted. All staff began to applaud.

"Congratulations on wrapping up, Mr. Fu."

"Thank you for your hard work, Teacher Fu."

"We appreciate you, Mr. Fu."

After the scene was finished, Xu Yan's parts in "Lonely City Sealed" were entirely complete. The film's lengthy seven-month shoot was drawing to a close. Shen Xingsui and Feifei approached with evident concern.

Back in the lounge, Fu Jinxiao leaned back on the couch to rest.

With his costume changed, Shen Xingsui sat beside him, applying ointment and pressing a warm cloth to his leg. An old injury had troubled Fu Jinxiao from his earlier days of filming. He had to avoid intense shocks to his leg. The recent fall from a horse was done without a stunt double, and now the old injury was flaring up.

Shen Xingsui’s gestures were gentle, and his voice carried an undeniable hint of worry, "There were too many stunts and wirework scenes in this film, and you've added more injuries to your leg. Now that we've wrapped up, we should schedule a comprehensive check-up in the hospital in the next day or two. After that, you can rest and recover for a month."

Leaning on the couch, Fu Jinxiao's handsome face looked tired. The pain from the old injury made him look somewhat pale. Yet, even in such a state, his face carried a smile when facing his beloved, "Is all that really necessary? They're just old wounds; I know my limits."

Shen Xingsui replied, a bit exasperated, "What do you mean 'you know'? This isn't just some minor injury; it concerns your health. How can you be so careless?"

He sounded adorably cross.

Ever since Fu Jinxiao became famous, due to his status, few dared to speak to him this way. But strangely, when Shen Xingsui did so, he didn't get angry.

A fond smile formed on Fu Jinxiao's face, "Alright, alright. I'll listen to Teacher Shen."

Shen Xingsui pursed his lips, gently treating the injury and whispered, "Don't dismiss it. Take care of yourself."

"What's gotten into you? These are just scratches. Had you been present during that incident when I broke my leg and bled profusely, you might have fainted," Fu Jinxiao said with a light chuckle.

Imagining the scene only made Shen Xingsui more upset. In frustration, he poked Fu Jinxiao's bruised area, "I know about that incident! I saw it on the news. Why didn't you use a stunt double then? Do you realize how dangerous that was? A broken leg can be mended, but what if you'd become permanently disabled?"

Fu Jinxiao sharply inhaled, "Easy there! Are you trying to murder your own husband?"

Shen Xingsui glared at him, tears forming.

As Fu Jinxiao watched Shen Xingsui's nurturing gestures, the external world seemed lively with the crew wrapping up, yet inside the room, all was calm. The scene of Shen Xingsui pressing the warm cloth to his leg, treating the injury, felt like a tranquil, beautiful moment frozen in time.

In the past, he never longed for love or the company of another. But now, with Shen Xingsui by his side, he felt an unusual peace, a hope for a future hand in hand.

"Knock, knock, knock."

There was a knocking sound from the door.

Zhang Sansan entered. Seeing Shen Xingsui tending to Fu Jinxiao's wounds, he was moved by the deep bond between the mentor and disciple.

With utmost respect, Shen Xingsui greeted, "Director."

"Sui Sui," Zhang Sansan smiled and asked, "Did I interrupt you two?"

Shen Xingsui shook his head, "Not at all. Director Zhang, is there something you'd like to discuss? Please, have a seat."

Taking a seat, Zhang Sansan, holding some paperwork, softly said, "I came here to discuss a few matters with both of you."

Fu Jinxiao smirked, "Go on."

"Once our movie is released, there might— I mean, there's a possibility that some promotional events, including some 'couple' hype, will be needed," Zhang Sansan, adjusting his glasses, hesitated a bit before adding, "Would that be alright with you both?"

Typically, consent from the artist and their team is essential for such matters.

Especially when that person is Fu Jinxiao, a national top-tier celebrity. Without his consent, no one would dare use him for hype. Riding his popularity would be a risky move.

Fu Jinxiao replied with a smile, "That's fine. We'll cooperate."

Zhang Sansan let out a sigh of relief, "It won't be excessive, just some collaboration during the movie's promotional phase. If needed, separating you two afterward won't be an issue. Rest assured, our team is very professional. We won't hinder your future prospects or cause any inconveniences..."

While he was still speaking, Shen Xingsui and Fu Jinxiao exchanged knowing glances.

Finally, Shen Xingsui softly interjected, "Director, you don't need to worry about these matters. We are more than willing to cooperate, and there's no emotional burden on our side."

Zhang Sansan blinked in surprise, "Huh?"

The atmosphere suddenly became charged as Fu Jinxiao and Shen Xingsui fixed their gaze on him.

Sitting on the couch, Zhang Sansan felt a sudden discomfort. Recollections of his past interactions with the pair came flooding back. Previously, he had admired their close mentor-mentee relationship, but the weight of their gaze brought forth an unexpected suspicion.

Just as Shen Xingsui and Fu Jinxiao thought he was about to voice his realization,

Zhang Sansan, wiping away a tear, said, "I never imagined you two would go to such lengths to accommodate my work. I promise to pour my heart into this film as a token of my gratitude!"

"..."

The room fell silent.